Here at Getfitstayfit Norfolk, we have treated quite a few people with Strains and Sprains.
We can assure you a Calf Strain is very painful, it can keep you off work for several weeks.
We know this is a typical Football Player Injury along with Groin Strain and Hamstring.
Calf Strain can quite often after a Thigh Strain, which in its self is extremely painful , this then can add on further injury time if it is not managed well keeping players from playing for a number of weeks
Not everyone has that luxury, of down time to get better after such an injury, if they are playing socially for fitness and fun with friends.
They need to get back to work in a shorter time period, they also need to be back on form.
So what causes this sort of problem and how can it be fixed ?
First of all what is the problem ?
A calf strain is an injury characterized by tearing of one or more of the calf muscles and typically causes pain in the back of the lower leg.
There are 2 major muscles that are affected one of which originates from above the knee joint this is the Gastrocnemius the other of which originates from below the knee joint is the Soleus, Both muscles insert into the heel bone via the Achilles tendon, we all have probably had a twisted ankle at one time and Achilles has a lot to answer for.
What causes it ?
During contraction (Pulling of the muscle ) of the calf, tension is placed through the calf muscle. When this tension is excessive due to too much repetition or high force, the calf muscle can be torn.
There is always a background, or root cause to this problem some
of these factors can be.
- Not warming up the muscles sufficiently
- Inappropriate/incorrect training
- Poor flexibility in the calf
- Bio-mechanics may be out of line causing poor foot posture
- Ankle joint stiffness
- Calf weakness
- Inadequate rehabilitation following a previous calf strain
- Decreased fitness level
- Fatigue due to excessive training
- Neural tightness (Calf muscle tightness is defined by any activity or situation in which those muscles stay contracted beyond or independent of physical exertion).
What is the outcome of a tear?
This may be from a small partial tear, whereby there is minimal pain and minimal loss of function, to a complete rupture which may require surgical reconstruction.
Why are Strains and tears are graded from level 1 to level 3 ?
- Grade 1 Tear: ) A small number of fibres are torn resulting in some pain, but still allowing full function. Rest is needed.
- Grade 2 Tear: ) A significant number of fibres are torn with a moderate loss of function.(Most calf strains tend to be in the Grade 2 Level)
- Grade 3 Tear: ) All muscle fibres are ruptured resulting in major loss of function. Very painful and can take a while to come back from this.
So what can be done, to help people who may have done this sort of damage ?
If it is a Grade 3 tear then surgery is the only real answer, but help with pre opp is of real benefit and will aid towards post opp rehabilitation.
Keeping the rest of the muscles supple makes the surgery easier, less chance of Muscle imbalances, will keep your
Bio-mechanics in line, aiding with flexibility.
Grade 2 tear, this is all about promoting healing and the sooner it can be dealt with the better early intervention, rest and elevation as much as possible, initially ICE is your friend.
This is where we can help greatly with the cutting edge equipment The Bioneuro Sigma Q, we can help with the promotion of healing long before, other manual methods of intervention, therefore cutting down healing time and the need for Pharmaceutical intervention, this also applies to a Grade 1 tear. Have a look at Johns testimony to see how we helped him after his Strain.
